London Food Incubator and OEV Grocer

Did you know?

Dave Cook, a successful local culinary entrepreneur, is recognized as a key catalyst in the revitalization of Old East Village (OEV).

He's the force behind successful social enterprises including Fire Roasted Coffee and the Western Fair Farmers and Artisans Market and most recently the London Food Incubator.

The benefits derived from small business incubators are well known. They stimulate innovation and resilience in the local economy, create jobs and generate street activity contributing to the unique character of a neighbourhood.

Once considered a "food desert" OEV is now a popular food district and home to some of the hottest restaurants, specialty shops and micro breweries in London.

This "food hub" is becoming a popular spot for pop-up concerts and meet-ups with friends.

Cook sees the London Food Incubator as "an opportunity to demonstrate a unique, vibrant business and residential community that’s really integrated well.”

The need...

Promising food start-ups, many of which got their start in the Western Fair market, want to scale up their operations but run into challenges in doing so. Professional kitchen equipment is expensive and finding affordable retailing space with essential shipping and receiving capabilities has proven to be a major obstacle to many. The London Food Incubator provides affordable, supportive shared space for food production and distribution along with retail space in an attractive "food hub" setting. This enables startups to expand their production with less financial risk and increase their exposure to a broad, loyal customer base in affordable retail space - key to their future growth and success.

At the same time, it is serving the needs of the neighbourhood by creating a welcoming community meeting place where residents and visitors alike can gather with friends over coffee, do their food shopping, and maybe even catch a pop-up concert. It's also home to Canada's only social enterprise grocery store and unique training centre.

How you can help...

By participating in the Earmark Initiative, you can make a substantial financial donation to the London Food Incubator and the OEVG at no cost to you. How? With every home purchase or sale, 20% of your REALTOR®'s commission is earmarked for donation to the "change maker" of your choice.

YOUR MOVE COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE OF*

*Calculated based on an example commission of 5% paid to the seller's realtor and shared equally with the buyer's realtor. Actual commissions or fees are not fixed and vary for each transaction. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under contract with a brokerage.